In the first round of matches, Assailants got the jitters from the spirit of a young Don Bosco Oratory side, but finally managed to stay in the competition as they got the better of Don Bosco Oratory 45-43.
Shawn Aranjo (26 points) was in his elements, while Vassilly (10 points) and Sidney (9 points) made crucial contributions to keep Assailants in the fray.
In the next matches, Vasco teams clicked well to keep both their teams on a winning spree.
Vasco Cagers defeated Assailants B, 42 – 38, and Vasco Marines defeated Goa Institute of Management (GIM) 26-24.
On day two, Foxes, Saligao had an easy win with Panjim Basketeers 44-37 to move into the quarters.
In the run up to the semi-finals, Vasco Cagers edged past favourites Don Bosco Oratory, Fatorda 51-47 to secure their berth in the semi-finals clash.
Abeesh Koshy (17 points) and Erlick (11 points) managed to keep the nerve for Vasco.
KJ’s, Miramar drubbed Vasco Marines 73-41 to claim their semi-final spot.
Abraham Menezes (24 points) and Aakash Madgavkar (16 points) did the bulk of the scoring for KJ’s, while Anjul Punia (29 points) was exceptional in fighting back the might of KJ’s.
In the third quarter-final, Assailants secured their spot in the semis defeating Aliens 37-14. Kirk Duarte (9 points) and Rohit Nazir (6 points) played well for Assailants.
On Sunday, in the women’s round 2, Margao will take on DBO, Panjim, at 6 p.m. followed by Pterodactyl’s playing Vasco Cagers, at 7 p.m. KJ’s will take on Assailants, at 8 p.m.
